Yes, Chef - Behind the Apron

08/11/2026

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE APRON. 🖤

Here they are.

Our 2027 Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron™️ lineup — an incredible group of people from across our hospitality community who are willing to step forward, get vulnerable, and share the stories behind the people we so often only see behind the apron.

Different journeys. Different struggles. Different stories.

One shared purpose: to make an impact in this industry and remind others that they are never alone.

We being our photoshoots this week, capturing stories along the way, and ramp up for the 2026 end of year celebration fundraiser at Bear Creek Mountain Resort!! (tickets: https://www.yeschefbehindtheapron.com/event-2026)

Help us welcome the 2027 crew. 👏🖤

👇 Tag them. Cheer them on. Show them some LOVE. This is going to be one hell of a year.

07/29/2026

Thank you to Service Electric Business for becoming one of our sponsors for Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron™️ !! WE are grateful for this community!

Still want to help? My goal is to have a Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron™️ Mental Health Awareness Poster in EVERY restaurant/cafe in the LV! Can you help? (See 1st comment for poster, I can email you a PDF Version to print!)

Or, get your tickets today for the yearly event on December 15th at Bear Creek: https://www.yeschefbehindtheapron.com/event-2026

07/09/2026

Attention, Attention!! We have our FIRST Sponsor and Supporter for our 2026 Behind the Apron Event!! Special thanks to SCF Architecture, LLC and our friend, Samantha Ciotti Falcone!!! Three years in a row!!

We thank you!

06/29/2026

This is very sad to read today. If anybody needs someone to talk to or wants to reach out, we are here for you. Praying for the Copperhead Family.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Michael L. Dontas Jr., beloved co-owner of Copperhead Grille and Utopita, devoted family member, and cherished friend.

More than a business owner, Michael was a friend, mentor, and an integral part of our family business. Touching the lives of our guests, staff, friends, and community through kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. We ask that you continue to keep the Dontas family in your thoughts and prayers as we honor Michael's life and legacy.

His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact he made on so many lives will never be forgotten.

With gratitude,

The Dontas Family
Copperhead Grille & Utopita

06/03/2026

The Call is Officially Open.

Do you know a chef, baker, bartender, restaurateur, caterer, food truck owner, hospitality professional, or culinary leader whose story deserves to be told?

Nominations are now open for the 2027 edition of Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron

We're looking for 20 individuals from the hospitality industry who are willing to step out from behind the line and share the human story behind the apron.

Selected participants will be photographed beginning later this summer and featured as part of the 2027 Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron campaign, helping us continue our mission of supporting mental health awareness, storytelling, and food insecurity initiatives within the hospitality industry.

Know someone who should be considered?

Nominate them today:

Fill out this form: https://www.yeschefbehindtheapron.com/form/2027-chef-nomination-form

Tag a chef below or share this post with someone whose story deserves to be heard.

Humanize. Heal. Transform.

Elaine

05/10/2026

Thank you, Shane, for letting me share the importance of nourishing the people that nourish us!

Shane McGee talks with Laura Fay and Elaine Zelker, two local members of the hospitality industry who are dedicated to giving back to community.

04/30/2026

If you work in the food industry and you’re running on empty…

I’m hosting a FREE retreat on May 11 at Copper House Events for Yes, Chef - Behind the Apron
No catch. No agenda. Just a day to step away and reset.

We’ve got a few spots left.

If you need it, take it.
👉 Apply here: https://www.yeschefbehindtheapron.com/retreats

Tag someone who should come with you.

RETREATS - Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron

04/14/2026

NOMINATE SOMEONE in the HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY FOR THE MAY 11TH RETREAT (It's FREEEEEE!)
(or step forward yourself)

These retreats are for the people who give everything to this industry—chefs, line cooks, servers, bartenders, managers, dishwashers, hosts, owners… the ones who rarely get a moment to breathe.

If you know someone who deserves rest, support, and a community that truly understands the weight they carry—this is their moment.

Nominate someone you admire, or take the step for yourself.

Spots are limited, and each retreat is intentionally intimate so every person can be seen, heard, and supported.

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.yeschefbehindtheapron.com/retreats

Please SHARE!

RETREATS - Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron

04/06/2026

These just came in… and I’m honestly feeling this one.

Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.

A huge thank you to Working Dog Press for bringing these 12x18 posters to life—bold, powerful, and exactly what our industry needs right now.

Because behind every plate…
there’s a person carrying a lot.

“You don’t have to carry this alone.”

If you’re a restaurant in the Lehigh Valley, I want this hanging in your kitchen.
Not for decoration—
for impact.

For the chef who’s pushing through burnout.
For the line cook who’s struggling silently.
For the team member who just needs to know someone’s there.

These posters connect directly to real support:
• Free/discounted therapy
• Confidential help
• Retreat + reset days

👉 If you want one for your space, DM me or reach out.
I’ll personally make sure it gets to you.

Let’s get these into every kitchen that needs it.